Top 15 Places To Visit In Switzerland In Winter 2024

Switzerland, renowned for its majestic Alps, crystalline lakes, and charming towns, emerges as an enchanting winter wonderland that beckons travellers from around the globe. Winter in Switzerland unfurls a panorama of scenic beauty and exhilarating outdoor adventures, making it an idyllic destination for an unforgettable holiday. Among the must-visit places this season, the Swiss Alps stand tall as the epitome of winter allure. Add a few places to visit in Switzerland in winter and soak in the snowy bliss.

Destinations like Zermatt, with its iconic Matterhorn peak, offer a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, boasting an extensive network of slopes and lifts catering to all levels of expertise. Additionally, St. Moritz enchants visitors with its upscale ambience, world-class skiing facilities, and the famed Cresta Run, hosting thrilling bobsled races. The frozen lakes of Switzerland, notably Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne, transform into ethereal ice-skating arenas and offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains that elevate the winter experience to a picturesque realm.

Join us as we uncover the best places to visit in Switzerland in Winter and Swiss winter travel tips for a memorable journey.

List Of 15 Best Places To Visit In Switzerland In Winter

• Zermatt | Ski or Snowboard in the Zermatt-Cervinia Ski Area
• St. Moritz | Experience Bobsledding or Tobogganing
• Lucerne | Take a Cruise on Lake Lucerne
• Interlaken | Ski or Snowboard in Jungfrau Region
• Davos | Ski or Snowboard at Parsenn
• Lausanne | Visit the Olympic Museum
• Grindelwald | Hike the First Cliff Walk
• Verbier | Experience the Après-ski Scene
• Arosa | Go Ice Skating on Untersee Lake
• Saas-Fee | Trek on Allalin Glacier
• Bern | Visit the Bern Historical Museum
• Gstaad | Ski or Snowboard in Gstaad Mountain Rides
• Engelberg | Visit Mount Titlis for Snow Activities
• Lugano | Explore Lake Lugano by Boat
• Thun | Take a Cruise on Lake Thun

1. Zermatt | Ski or Snowboard in the Zermatt-Cervinia Ski Area

Zermatt is renowned for the iconic Matterhorn peak, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. The town is car-free, maintaining its old-world charm with wooden chalets and cobblestone streets. One of the family-friendly winter destinations, the Matterhorn's snow-capped peak against the winter sky is a sight to behold. The town's cosy atmosphere adds to the magic of this winter wonderland.

• Why Visit: Skiing, snowboarding, and hiking are famous here. Visitors can also experience the Gornergrat Railway for stunning mountain views.
• Major Attractions: The Matterhorn, Gornergrat Railway, Sunnegga Paradise.

2. St. Moritz | Experience Bobsledding or Tobogganing

St. Moritz is a glamorous Alpine resort town known for its luxurious accommodations, upscale shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The frozen lakes provide a stunning backdrop for winter sports and events. One of the romantic getaways in the Swiss winter, the Engadin Valley offers picturesque views, and you can explore the Engadine Museum.

• Why Visit: Home to the Cresta Run, a famous toboggan track. It hosts international events like the White Turf horse races on the frozen lake.
• Major Attractions: Lake St. Moritz, Engadine Valley, Diavolezza Mountain.

3. Lucerne | Take a Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Lucerne is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains and situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Its mediaeval architecture adds to its charm. Lucerne boasts the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. The snow-dusted cityscape against the lake and mountains creates a fairy-tale-like scene.

• Why Visit: The Christmas markets, stunning lake cruises, and access to nearby ski resorts like Mount Titlis.
• Major Attractions: Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Mount Pilatus.

4. Interlaken | Ski or Snowboard in Jungfrau Region

Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a paradise for adventure seekers with its stunning scenery and various outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, offering a stunning backdrop for winter adventures.

• Why Visit: Perfect base for skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and hiking. It's also close to Jungfrau, one of the highest peaks in the Alps.
• Major Attractions: Jungfrau Region, Harder Kulm, Aare Gorge.

5. Davos | Ski or Snowboard at Parsenn,

Davos is a famous ski resort town in the Swiss Alps, known for hosting the World Economic Forum annually. The town offers a mix of high-end resorts and traditional Alpine villages amidst stunning mountain landscapes. If you are looking for winter activities in the Swiss Alps, Davos is one of the best places.

• Why Visit: Skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking are popular activities. The town also offers cultural events and a vibrant après-ski scene.
• Major Attractions: Parsenn Ski Area, Kirchner Museum, Lake Davos.

6. Lausanne | Visit the Olympic Museum

Lausanne is a picturesque city on Lake Geneva's shores, known for its mediaeval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. If you are looking for Switzerland snow sports, Lausanne is one of the best places. The city's old town, vineyard terraces, and panoramic views of Lake Geneva offer a serene winter ambience.

• Why Visit: Enjoy winter sports at nearby resorts, explore the Olympic Museum, and experience the city's lively atmosphere.
• Major Attractions: Olympic Museum, Lausanne Cathedral, Ouchy Promenade.

7. Grindelwald | Hike the First Cliff Walk

Grindelwald is a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps, surrounded by majestic peaks like Eiger and Jungfrau. The village offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and access to various winter activities.

• Why Visit: Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. It's also the gateway to the Jungfrau region.
• Major Attractions: First Cliff Walk, Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald Museum.

8. Verbier | Experience the Après-ski Scene

Verbier is a chic ski resort town known for its extensive ski terrain, vibrant nightlife, and luxury chalets. The town offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks of the Swiss Alps and a lively après-ski scene.

• Why Visit: Superb skiing and snowboarding opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and access to the 4 Vallées ski area.
• Major Attractions: Mont Fort, Verbier Xtreme Freeride Competition, Verbier Festival.

9. Arosa | Go Ice Skating on Untersee Lake

Arosa is a charming alpine resort town known for its beautiful mountain scenery and family-friendly atmosphere. The town is surrounded by snowy peaks, creating a serene and picturesque winter landscape.

• Why Visit: Ideal for families with various winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tobogganing.
• Major Attractions: Arosa Weisshorn, Untersee Lake, Tschuggen Grand Hotel.

10. Saas-Fee | Trek on Allalin Glacier

 

Saas-Fee is a charming car-free village surrounded by thirteen 4,000-metre peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for winter activities. Saas-Fee Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Switzerland. The village is known for its traditional chalets, glaciers, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

• Why Visit: Offers skiing, snowboarding, glacier trekking, and panoramic views from the Allalin revolving restaurant.
• Major Attractions: Allalin Glacier, Hannig Mountain, Saas-Fee Ski Resort.

11. Bern | Visit the Bern Historical Museum

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mediaeval old town and cultural richness. The city's historic charm and the winter ambience offer a magical experience.

• Why Visit: Explore the old town, visit museums, and enjoy cultural events. It's also close to ski resorts in the Bernese Oberland.
• Major Attractions: Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern Cathedral, Bear Park.

12. Gstaad | Ski or Snowboard in Gstaad Mountain Rides,

Gstaad is an upscale resort town known for its luxury chalets, high-end shopping, and celebrity sightings. The town's traditional architecture, snow-covered landscape, and chic ambience attract visitors seeking a luxurious winter retreat.

• Why Visit: Excellent skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports opportunities combined with a sophisticated après-ski scene.
• Major Attractions: Gstaad Palace Hotel, Glacier 3000, Promenade.

13. Engelberg | Visit Mount Titlis for Snow Activities

Engelberg is a scenic alpine town nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains, offering a perfect winter getaway. The town's serene atmosphere, snow-covered peaks, and towering monastery contribute to its winter charm.

• Why Visit: Known for skiing, snowboarding, and access to Mount Titlis, offering stunning panoramic views.
• Major Attractions: Mount Titlis, Engelberg Abbey, Trübsee Lake.

14. Lugano | Explore Lake Lugano by Boat

Lugano is a charming city in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, surrounded by mountains and Lake Lugano. The city's Mediterranean ambience and the snow-covered Alps create a unique winter setting.

• Why Visit: Enjoy winter hikes, visit Christmas markets, explore the city's cultural attractions, and indulge in Swiss-Italian cuisine.
• Major Attractions: Lake Lugano, Monte Brè, Swissminiatur.

15. Thun | Take a Cruise on Lake Thun

Thun is a charming town situated on the shores of Lake Thun, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. The town's mediaeval old town, stunning lake views, and proximity to the Bernese Oberland's snow-covered peaks create a picturesque winter setting.

• Why Visit: Explore Thun Castle, cruise on Lake Thun, and enjoy the winter markets and festivals.
• Major Attractions: Thun Castle, Lake Thun, Schadau Park.

Read More : Tourist Places To Visit In Switzerland 

Switzerland's winter offers an array of experiences, from thrilling winter sports in stunning landscapes to the cosy ambience of charming towns and cities, making it an ideal destination for a magical winter getaway. Plan your trip to Switzerland and places across the globe with Adotrip.com. Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the top Swiss destinations for winter sports and skiing?
A1. Top Swiss destinations for winter sports and skiing are:

• Zermatt
• Interlaken
• Grindelwald
• Davos
• Verbier
• Arosa
• Saas-Fee
• Engelberg
• Gstaad

Q2. Are there cosy mountain chalets or lodges to stay in during a Swiss winter vacation?
A2. Cosy mountain chalets or lodges for a Swiss winter vacation are

• Eiger View Alpine Lodge.
• Edelweiss Lodge.
• Hotel Weisshorn.
• Basic Rooms Jungfrau Lodge.
• All In One Hotel - Inn Lodge
• Chalet Antoine Serviced Apartments

Q3. Can I find information on Switzerland's best Christmas markets and holiday events?
A3. Information on the best Christmas markets and holiday events in Switzerland are

• Zurich Christmas Market
• Montreux Christmas Market
• Christmas Market am Franziskanerplatz

Q4. What winter activities are available in Swiss cities like Zurich and Lucerne?
A4. Winter activities available in Swiss cities like Zurich and Lucerne are

• Ascend the mountains in Lucerne
• Go Skiing and snowboarding in Lucerne
• Go Ice-skating
• Take a boat tour on Lake Lucerne
• Enjoy a City Ice Rink in Zurich
• Soak in the snow-dusted Old Town views from Lindenhof Hill

Q5. Where can I get tips for driving safely in snowy Swiss regions during winter?
A5. There are Switzerland Destination Experts and Consultants and Tour Guides. They give you tips for driving safely in snowy Swiss regions during winter.